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Wednesday, 28 November 2012

PT 1: Dermatitis life-changing

So I think I’ve reached a turning point in regards to the
treatment of my dermatitis, thanks to my amazing dermatologist who came up with
a great treatment plan.

I’ve written about my experience before in the Fighting Scalp Issues post.
I honestly thought I could handle this outbreak by myself in the beginning. It
was a mix of me wanting to do it 100% natural, or pick up products from the
drug store and also because I thought to myself, I’ve been through this before,
I can’t fix this.

Wow, was I wrong, by June of this year the irritation had
not subsided and I was actually starting to lose hair in the front and top area
of my crown. In terms of styling, I was confined to head bands and beanie hats.
The panic sat in. This was definitely bigger than me. I needed some
professional HELP!

I went to see my doctor, very good friends with one of my
“sisters” who also happens to be a great dermatologist. Not only is she black
and knows about what we as black women put our hair through, but she also has
succeeded in keeping her own dermatitis at bay. That was very reassuring for
me. A feeling of relief came over me.

She prescribed clobex to me and it is wonderful – it’s the
truth! It started to heal the area on my scalp and my hair started to bounce
back. She told me that oiling my scalp was out of the question, but my
mainstays, shea butter and coconut oil are fine to use on my hair.

Even though things were looking good, she still wanted to
test me scalp for follicle damage and to make sure her treatment was strong
enough. The test show that I had minor scarring, that could spread if not
addressed. Pretty scary stuff right! My doctor assured me that based on the
fact that my hair was already growing in, she says my scarring is miniscule and
treatable, as long as I continue a healthy regimen. HALLELUJAH, I’m one of the
lucky ones!

This is part one of a mini-series I have planned. I really
think these scalp and hair conditions are health issues that black women need
to know about and take responsibility for.

Keep reading and checking in with me on Twitter
@canadiancurlie for the upcoming posts or comment if this hits home for you or
someone you know.Blessings and Curls,